My City, My sm celebrates the beauty and bounty of Davao
MANILA, Philippines - While Davao City today is a bustling urban center, it is also home to numerous fruit plantations and orchid farms, virgin forests that nurture rare wildlife such as the Philippine Eagle, and a people of diverse cultures and traditions.
Just in time for the Kadayawan festivities this August, SM celebrated the beauty and bounty of Davao during the recent My City, My SM launch at SM City Davao.
The event honored Miss Universe 1973 and Ballet Philippines president Margie Moran-Floirendo, who has spearheaded many tourism and civic projects in Davao; as well as the Puentespina family, prominent agro-industrialists and environmentalists in the area. The latter include agricultural engineer Angel Puentespina, who has revolutionized the propagation of waling-waling and other flora, and his wife Jing, a sought-after floral and landscape designer/artist; as well as Dr. Bo Puentespina, who is father to the region’s world-class bird shows, and wife Olive, who is known for her artisan cheese.
Davao’s beauty and bounty was showcased in dazzling installations by Jing Puentespina: a floral and orchid garden, an eco-adventure hub, a weaving center, and a Kadayawan Festival mini float with the word Davao made of fresh blooms. These plus Kadayawan photos by the Camera Club of Davao set the festive mood, giving guests a glimpse of beautiful Davao.
Ushers dressed in tribal costumes representing the 10 tribes of Davao greeted guests from the Indonesian Consulate — Consuls Sukarsono and Antonius Bali Prasetya Nugroho, and Vice Consul Bernard Loesi — as well as Davao City Councilor Rachel Zozobrado, DOT XI regional director Sonia Garcia, businessman Ruben Bangayan, Rosario Moran, Charita Puentespina, and Mr. and Mrs. Freddie Carmona. SM officials led by SM regional operations manager for Mindanao Debbie Go, SM City Davao mall manager Maria Lynette Lopez, and SM vice president for marketing Millie Dizon welcomed them.
After the program featuring performances by the Indak-Indak dancers, as well as the Himig Singers, cocktails by Davao ace restaurateur Baby Mayor were served. The menu included Davao Wow kinilaw, pandesal with kesong puti, Davao hot chocolate made from tabliya, malunggay fresh lumpia, camote and banana chips with tuna dip, ukoy balls with Davao sinamak vinegar, sugba (grilled) chicken, pork, and tuna skewers, and adobo mini pizza. Dessert included a buffet of Davao fresh fruits, as well as delicacies like Davao biko, camote durian roll, and the afternoon’s surprise — turon baduya.
The My City, My SM launch in Davao is the 11th leg of this tourism-driven campaign that features the many cities in the Philippines where SM malls and stores are located.
The first, I Left My Heart in San Fernando, honored internationally acclaimed film director Brillante Mendoza and Mutya ng Kapampangan Nicolette Henson. Cebu, Cebu showcased the best of Cebu through socialite Teresin Mendezona and the Aldeguer brothers, Jay, Michael, and Chris; while Sweet Home Iloilo featured Dr. Josette Biyo and Mang Inasal’s Edgar Sia II.
Just in time for the Panagbenga Festival in February, Baguio on My Mind paid tribute to National Artist Bencab and Binibining Pilipinas Universe 2001 and lawyer Zorayda Andam. During the same month, Up, Up, and Away at Clark highlighted the Hot Air Balloon Festival and featured Dr. Emmanuel Y. Angeles and artist-foodie-writer Claude Tayag.
If You Are Going to Santa Rosa gave a rare glimpse of old Santa Rosa through Tatler Philippines Managing Editor Chit Lijauco and the Tiongco brothers — Emil, Art, and Jun.
On the Road to Rosales paid tribute to two generations — National Artist for Literature F. Sionil Jose and young talents like chess prodigy Samantha Revita and Sudoku champion Sarah Jane Cua. Happiness is Lucena captured the joy of life of Quezonians through Hollywood beauty expert James Cooper and businesswoman Nova Veluz.
Last June, Kalayaan sa Cavite celebrated the province’s history, heritage, and heroes through CNN Hero of the Year Efren Penaflorida, Emilio “Orange” Aguinaldo IV, and 1996 Mutya ng Pilipinas International Sheryl Santarin. Just in time for the Sublian Festival in July, the Best of Batangas was highlighted through Atty. Antonio Pastor and beauty queen Kristine Reyes Alzar.
My City, My SM is a joint project of SM and the Department of Tourism with support from The Philippine Star.
